Passive rebound switch having variable number of buttons

ABSTRACT

A passive rebound switch includes an actuation button, an energy collecting module, a detection control, a housing, a power generation module, and a signal transmission circuit. The actuation button is detachably and pivotally connected to the housing. The power generation device, the signal transmission circuit, and the detection control are accommodated in an receiving chamber formed between the actuation button and the housing. When the actuation button is actuated to move in reciprocated rebounding movement, the energy collecting module is actuated to trigger the power generation module for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the signal transmission circuit for transmitting a control signal. The energy collecting module is disposed between the actuation button and the power generation module. The detection switch pre-activates an I/O interface of an encoder device of the signal transmission circuit prior to the power generation module for generating the electrical power.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This is a non-provisional application that claims priority tointernational application number PCT/CN2018/081072, international filingdate Mar. 29, 2018, which claims priority to Chinese application numberCN 201710213131.1, filing date Apr. 1, 2017, the entire contents of eachof which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files orrecords, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to electric switches, and moreparticularly to a passive rebound switch, which is able to be installedinto a wall surface and selectively alter different number of buttons.

Description of Related Arts

Generally, a standard wall switch has a significant advantage ofinstalling into a wall surface easily. The standard wall switch refersto a wall-mounted push button switch that meets the national buildingstandards or electrical product standards. For example, a length and awidth of the switch are 86 mm for European standard, and a length and awidth of the switch are 120 mm and 70 mm respectively for Japanesestandard. There are also different walls switches for home and officeuse, such as in American standard. The common ground for these wallswitches is easy to use regardless of age, such that the wall switcheshave been widely used in buildings all over the world. However,installing the conventional wall switch requires a pre-wiring system,wherein the wall switch is electrically connected to a power grid and anelectric appliance, such as an electric lamp. Accordingly, the laborcost is relatively high and the labor time is relatively long forinstalling the wiring system behind the wall surface. In some cases, itis difficult to install the wiring system behind the hard surface, suchas a tempered glass surface. Furthermore, it is dangerous to install thewiring system in the buildings, especially long wires may cause fire orother accidents related to electrical problems. The conventional wallswitches cannot be used in wet or humid places such as bathrooms. Inother words, there are lots of unsafe factors for the conventional wallswitches.

The existing passive wireless switches or powerless wireless switchesare expensive even though the switches are able to control some smartappliances. Due to the complexity of the mechanical design of thepassive wireless switches, the cost thereof is relatively high, thereliability thereof is not high, and the practical application thereofis limited. Unlike the conventional wall switch to provide multiplebutton configurations (for example, four button configuration), thenumber of buttons per switch is limited for the passive wireless switch.Accordingly, the existing rebound type passive wireless switch can onlyconfigure to have 2 buttons, such that it is difficult to controlmultiple electric appliances, such as multiple light appliances, in thebuilding, unless multiple switches are installed. However, increasingthe number of switches will increase the cost. The operation mode andactuation pressing force of the existing passive wireless switches arequite different from those of the traditional rebound type wallswitches. For example, the actuation pressing force of the existingpassive wireless switches is larger than that of the traditional reboundtype wall switches. Therefore, whether it is economical or practicalview, the existing passive wireless switches cannot reach the level oftraditional switches. Therefore, the existing passive wireless switchesare need to improve and are not popular to be used in the buildings.

In addition, whether it is the existing passive wireless switches or thetraditional rebound type wall switches, the number of buttons is presetat the production and cannot be changed thereafter. In other words, themanufactures must build different molds and/or additional steps in themanufacturing process for manufacturing the switch with differentbuttons, so as to increase the material and manufacturing cost of theswitch. On the other hand, the merchants also need to determine thedemand for different number of button switches according to the marketresearch, and the consumers must also consider the need of the switchwith different numbers of buttons. In fact, it is always a differencebetween the estimated quantity and the actual demand for the switch soas to cause the waste of material and labor cost.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein the user is able toselectively arrange or change different numbers of actuation buttonsaccording to the actual need of the user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein the actuationbuttons can individually or concurrently actuate the power generationmodule to reduce the manufacturing cost and the energy consumptionrequirements of the circuit.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which does not require anywiring configuration to simplify the installation configuration, to savethe installation time and labor, and to enhance the safety structure.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which reduces themanufacturing cost, enhances different button arrangements whenincreasing number of buttons, and enhances the reliability of theswitch.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which provides multiplerebounding buttons to independently control different light appliancesso as to significantly reduce the installation and utility cost of eachlighting control loop and to improve resource utilization.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein the size of thepassive rebound switch is standard and the installation method thereofis the same as the conventional switch, such that the operation andfeeling of the passive rebound switch is the same as the conventionalswitch.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein two consequentelectrical energies are generated in response to the actuation of theactuation button and the reset of the actuation button. At the sametime, the consequent electrical energies are combined together by anenergy synthesizer to fully utilize the power generation module formaximizing the power output, such that the command circuit can transmitthe wireless signal with higher RF power, and the control is morereliable.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which is able to generate arelative large electrical output so as to omit the use of expensivelow-power communication circuit. The present invention is able to use aconventional, relatively low-cost, high-power communication circuit,such as a single transistor of a wireless communication circuit, fornormally operating so as to reduce manufacturing cost and operating costof the present invention.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which can be directlyattached to the solid surface by using double-sided tape, and can openup two sides of the switch to affix at a standard junction box viascrews for embedding in the wall surface as the standard conventionalswitch. Therefore, the installation of the present invention is veryflexible as to meet the existing installation of the conventionalswitch.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein by increasing thenumbers of actuation buttons and detection controls, the buttonarrangement is expandable to selectively adjust the number of controlchannels. Therefore, more independent control channels can be formedwith less cost, and more electrical appliances can be controlled, suchthat one single switch can provide the functions of the conventionalmultiple switches.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which comprises at least acloth covered key constructed with at least one actuation buttondetachably and pivotally coupled at the housing, such that the number ofactuation button can be selectively configured according to the need ofthe user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, which comprises at least anenergy collecting module, wherein the reciprocated rebounding movementsof the actuation buttons are arranged to individually or concurrentlydrive the energy collecting module, such that the energy collectingmodule is configured to drive the power generation module to convert themechanical energy into the electrical energy for supplying electricalpower to at least one signal transmission module. Then, the signaltransmission module is powered to emit at least one control signal.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a passive reboundswitch with changeable button configuration, wherein the actuationbuttons are able to individually or concurrently drive the energycollecting module, such that the energy collecting module is able todrive one of the power generation modules so as to minimize theproduction cost and the energy consumption for the circuit.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects andadvantages are attained by a passive rebound switch, which comprises:

at least a cloth covered key, at least one energy collecting module, atleast one detection control, at least one housing, at least one powergeneration module, and at least one signal transmission module, whereinthe cloth covered key comprises at least an actuation button detachablyand pivotally coupled at the housing, wherein a receiving chamber isformed between the cloth covered key and the housing to receive theenergy collecting module. the signal transmission module, and thedetection module in the receiving chamber, wherein the actuation buttonis actuated with a reciprocated rebounding movement to trigger theenergy collecting module for converting a mechanical energy into anelectrical energy so as to power the signal transmission module, whereinthe energy collecting module is disposed between the actuation buttonand the power generation module, wherein the detection control isconfigured to pre-electrify an I/O interface of an encoder of the signaltransmission module before the power generation module generates theelectrical energy, wherein the signal transmission module is configuredfor transmitting at least one control signal after the signaltransmission module is powered.

In one embodiment, the actuation button is arranged for applyingpressing force or pressure on the energy collecting module.

In one embodiment, the energy collecting module is configured to drivethe power generation module for generating electricity.

In one embodiment, the actuation button of the cloth covered key and thehousing are pivotally connected with each other to enable the actuationbutton being detachably coupled to the housing in a reciprocatedrebounding movement.

In one embodiment, the actuation button of the cloth covered keycomprises a button pivot shaft, wherein the housing has at least onepivot shaft slot formed at one side of the housing corresponding to thebutton pivot shaft. The button pivot shaft is engaged with the pivotshaft slot to enable the actuation button being detachably and pivotallycoupled to the housing.

In one embodiment, the actuation button comprises a pivot shaft supportformed at a bottom side thereof to support the button pivot shaft,wherein the housing has pivot shaft portion defined at an inner sidesurface to form the pivot shaft slot.

In one embodiment, the actuation button further comprises an energycollecting module presser formed at an inner side thereof, wherein inresponse to the reciprocated rebounding movement of the actuationbutton, the energy collecting module presser is configured to press atthe detection control in order to trigger the detection control.

In one embodiment, the passive rebound switch further comprises aninterior casing assembly, wherein the power generation module is sealedand received between the interior casing assembly and the housing. Anauxiliary contact terminal is provided at the interior casing assembly,wherein the energy collecting module presser is driven to press againstthe auxiliary contact terminal in order to drive the auxiliary contactterminal to contact with the energy collecting module. Therefore, theenergy collecting module is actuated to press against the powergeneration module to move and to convert the mechanical energy into theelectrical energy.

In one embodiment, the detection control is configured to pre-switch onthe I/O interface of the encoder of the signal transmission module fortransmitting the encoding control command before the power generationmodule generates the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the actuation button further comprises a detectioncontrol presser provided at an inner side thereof, wherein the detectioncontrol presser is configured to press against detection control inorder to trigger the detection control.

In one embodiment, the detecting control comprises a conductive contactterminal and an I/O port, wherein the I/O port is operatively connectedto the signal transmission module, wherein when the detection control istriggered by the actuation button, the I/O port is in contact with theconductive contact terminal, the I/O interface of the encoder iselectrified, such that the preset code is generated by the encoder andis transmitted by the signal transmission module.

In one embodiment, the passive rebound switch further comprises aninterior casing assembly, wherein the power generation module is sealedand received between the interior casing assembly and the housing. Abuffering element is provided at the interior casing assembly, whereinthe detection control presser of the actuation button is actuated topress against the buffering element in order to press against detectioncontrol to trigger the detection control.

In one embodiment, the buffering element is further configured tosupport the actuation button in an idle position so as to remain theactuation button in a stationary manner especially when anotheractuation button is actuated and pressed.

In one embodiment, the detection control further comprises a conductivecontact terminal and an I/O port, wherein the I/O port is disposed atthe signal transmission module while the conductive contact terminal isdisposed at a bottom of the buffering element.

In one embodiment, the actuation button further has a button pressingportion formed at an inner side thereof, wherein the detection controlis operatively linked to the signal transmission module for transmittingthe control signal, wherein the button pressing portion of the actuationbutton is configured to press and actuate the power generation module togenerate the electrical energy and to trigger detection control.

In one embodiment, the actuation button further comprises an energycollecting module presser and a pressing extension rib, wherein theenergy collecting module presser is protruded from a mid-portion of thepressing extension rib. The energy collecting module presser isconfigured to press against the power generation module, while one endportion of the pressing extension rib is configured to press and triggerthe detecting control.

In one embodiment, each of the actuation buttons is configured toindividually or concurrently drive the energy collecting module, whereinthe energy collecting module is configured to drive the power generationmodule in order to actuate the power generation module for convertingthe mechanical energy into the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the energy collecting module further comprises a mainpressing portion and two side wing portions spacedly and perpendicularlyextended from two ends of the main pressing portion, wherein the powergeneration module is disposed between the side wing portions. When theexternal force is applied at the actuation button, the main pressingportion of the energy collecting module is pressed to drive the powergeneration module.

In one embodiment, the energy collecting module further comprises atleast a forcing arm, wherein one end of each of the side wing portionsis extended from the main pressing portion and another end of each ofthe side wing portions is bent vertically and downwardly to form theforcing arm. The main pressing portion is pivotally moved with respectto the forcing arm as a pivot point.

In one embodiment, the passive rebound switch further comprises aninterior casing assembly, wherein the power generation module is sealedand received between the interior casing assembly and the housing. Theactuation button is driven to press the interior casing assembly inorder to actuate the energy collecting module.

In one embodiment, at least one auxiliary contact terminal is providedat the interior casing assembly to press against the energy collectingmodule so as to drive and trigger the power generation module.

In one embodiment, a contacting protrusion point is defined at a bottomside of the auxiliary contact terminal, wherein the energy collectingmodule further comprises a main pressing portion and two side wingportions spacedly and perpendicularly extended from two ends of the mainpressing portion, wherein the power generation module is disposedbetween the side wing portions. When the external force is applied atthe actuation button, the power generation module is pressed and drivenby the contacting protrusion point.

In one embodiment, the interior casing module comprises at least aninner casing cover, wherein the inner casing cover and the housing forma waterproof chamber for providing a waterproofing function, and foraccommodating the power generation module and the signal transmissionmodule.

In one embodiment, the interior casing assembly further comprises awaterproof wall formed at a bottom side thereof, wherein the housing hasat least a waterproof groove formed at an inner side thereof. Theinterior casing assembly further comprises at least an inner casingfastener provided at a side thereof. The housing further has a casingwaterproof portion defining the waterproof groove thereat. The housingfurther comprises a housing fastener provided at an outer periphery ofthe casing waterproof portion, wherein the housing fastener and theinner casing fastener are detachably coupled with each other by means ofsnap-fit connection manner to tightly seal and couple the waterproofwall at the waterproof groove, so as to seal and couple the interiorcasing assembly with the housing with the waterproof chamber in awaterproof manner.

In one embodiment, the interior casing assembly comprises at least afirst inner casing and at least a second inner casing sealed and coupledwith each other, wherein the waterproof wall is disposed at a bottom ofthe first inner casing, and the inner casing fastener is formed at aside of the second inner casing.

In one embodiment, the interior casing assembly comprises at least afirst inner casing and at least a second inner casing. The first innercasing further has a first waterproof portion and has a first innercasing hole. The second inner casing further has a second waterproofportion and a second inner casing hole. The first waterproof portion istightly sealed and enclosed to the second inner casing hole, and thesecond waterproof portion is tightly sealed and enclosed to the firstinner casing hole.

In one embodiment, at least one auxiliary contact terminal is providedat the first waterproof portion of the first inner casing, wherein eachof the energy collecting module pressers is configured to press anddrive the power generation module through the auxiliary contact terminalso as to actuate the power generation module for converting themechanical energy as the external force into the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the detection control is configured to receive thecontrol command and to activate the signal transmission module totransmit the control signal, wherein the detection control is receivedin the waterproof chamber formed between interior casing assembly andthe housing.

In one embodiment, at least one buffering element is provided at thefirst waterproof portion of the first inner casing, wherein theactuation button is pressed to drive the buffering element, such thatthe buffering element is pressed to drive and trigger the detectioncontrol.

In one embodiment, the first inner casing is made of a soft rubbermaterial and the second inner housing is made of plastic material.

In one embodiment, each of the actuation buttons of the cloth coveredkey is configured to individually or concurrently press the interiorcasing assembly to actuate the energy collecting module, such that thepower generation module is driven and actuated by the energy collectionmodule for converting the mechanical energy into the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the passive rebound switch further comprises at leasta paddling member arranged for being driven by the cloth covered key todrive the power generation module, so as to actuate the power generationmodule for converting the mechanical energy into the electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the passive rebound switch further comprises at leasta restoring element for generating a resetting movement of the powergeneration module.

In one embodiment, the signal transmission module further comprises atleast one energy collecting circuit to collect electrical energygenerated by the power generation module every time.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a passive rebound switch, which comprises:

a power generation module, at least an energy collecting module, atleast a detachable button, at least a housing, at least a signaltransmission module, and at least a restoring element, wherein theenergy collecting module is disposed between the detachable button andthe power generation module, wherein the detachable button is actuatedin a reciprocated rebounding movement to drive and actuate the energycollecting module, wherein the energy collecting module is configured todrive and actuate the power generation device for converting amechanical energy into an electrical energy so as to electrically powerthe signal transmission module for transmitting at least one controlsignal, wherein the restoring element is configured to rest the energycollecting module back to its original position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a self-powering a passive rebound switch, comprisingthe following steps.

(A) Apply an external force on at least one of the actuation buttons.

(B) Press at least one detection control by the actuation button.

(C) Press at least one energy collecting module by the actuation button.

(D) Activate the power generation module by the energy collectingmodule.

(E) Generate a first electrical energy by the power generation module.

(F) Electrify at least one signal transmission module to generate afirst control signal.

(G) Reset the actuation button to move the actuation button back to itsoriginal position by a resetting device generating a rebounding forcewhich is opposite to the external force.

(H) Generate a second electrical energy by the power generation modulein response to the rebounding force of the resetting device.

(I) Electrify the signal transmission module to generate a secondcontrol signal.

(J) Reset the energy collecting module and the power generation moduleback to their original position.

In one embodiment, the energy collecting module, the detection control,the signal transmission module, the resetting device and the powergeneration module are sealed and received in the waterproof chamber ofthe passive rebound switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passive rebound switch according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the passive rebound switchaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention,illustrating one of the actuation buttons being opened.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the passive rebound switchaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention,illustrating the actuation buttons being opened.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the passive reboundswitch according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the passive rebound switchaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an interior casing assembly ofthe passive rebound switch according to the above preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the passive rebound switch according tothe above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partially sectional view of the passive rebound switchaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view of the passive rebound switchaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a first alternative mode of the passive reboundswitch according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective of the passive rebound switch according to thefirst alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second alternative mode of the passive reboundswitch according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the passive rebound switch according to thesecond alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a third alternative mode of the passive reboundswitch according to the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the passive rebound switch according to thethird alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments areprovided in the following description only as examples and modificationswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principlesdefined in the following description would be applied to otherembodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applicationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “upper”,“lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, vertical”, “horizontal”,“top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, and “interior” in the following descriptionrefer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanyingdrawings for easy understanding of the present invention withoutlimiting the actual location or orientation of the present invention.Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual location limitationof the elements of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “one”, “a”, and “an” in the followingdescription refer to “at least one” or “one or more” in the embodiment.In particular, the term “a” in one embodiment may refer to “one” whilein another embodiment may refer to “more than one”. Therefore, the aboveterms should not be an actual numerical limitation of the elements ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings, a passive rebound switch,i.e. a powerless rebound switch, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated, wherein the passive rebound switchis adapted to selectively alter a number of button, and is configured tomount on a wall surface as an example. The passive rebound switchcomprises a power generation module 50, an energy collecting module 58,a signal transmission module 20, a cover assembly 10, a plurality ofdetection controls 40 (such as three), and a housing 12.

The cover assembly 10 comprises a plurality of actuation buttons ordetachable buttons 11 aligned side-by-side. In one embodiment, the coverassembly 10 is constructed to have three actuation buttons 11, whereineach of the actuation buttons 11 is configured as a cover panel to forma portion of top casing of the passive rebound switch. In other words,the actuation buttons 11 are placed side-by-side to form the top casingof the passive rebound switch. The housing 12 forms a bottom casing ofthe passive rebound switch. Accordingly, the above mentioned componentsare received in a receiving chamber as a resilient cavity formed betweenthe actuation buttons 11 and the housing 12. According to the preferredembodiment, the receiving chamber is formed between the three actuationbuttons 11 and the housing 12. The power generation module 50, theenergy collecting module 58, the signal transmission module 20, and thedetection controls 40 are received in the receiving chamber. When eachof the actuation buttons 11 is subjected to an external force, such as apressing force applied by an operator's hand, one side of each of theactuation buttons 11 can be driven to move in an up-and-downreciprocating movement.

FIG. 2 illustrates one of the actuation buttons 11 being detached fromthe housing 12. Each of the actuation buttons 11 has a top surface 111and a bottom surface 112. The external force is arranged to apply on thetop surface 111 of the actuation button 11. Each of the actuationbuttons 11 further comprises a pivot shaft support 113, an energycollecting module presser 115 and a detection control presser 114respectively, preferably integrally, formed at the bottom surface 112 ofthe actuation button 11.

The pivot shaft support 113 comprises a button pivot shaft 1130 beingsupported to provide a pivot movement of the actuation button 11. Thehousing 12 has an inner side surface 112 and a pivot shaft portion 123defined thereat, wherein the pivot shaft portion 123 has a pivot shaftslot 1230, wherein the button pivot shaft 1130 is engaged with the pivotshaft slot 1230 to pivotally connect the actuation button 11 with thehousing 12. Therefore, in response to the external force, each of theactuation buttons 11 can be driven to pivotally move in an up-and-downreciprocating movement.

Preferably, each of the support shaft slots 1230 and each of the pivotshaft portions 123 is formed at one side of the housing 12, and each ofthe corresponding button pivot shafts 1130 is formed at one side of thebottom side 112 of the actuation button 11, so as to pivotally coupleeach of the actuation buttons 11 to the housing 12.

In response to the reciprocating movement of each of the actuationbuttons 11 by the external force, the detection control presser 114 isconfigured to press at the corresponding detection control 40 in orderto trigger the corresponding detection control 40. At the same time, theenergy collecting module presser 115 is configured to press on the powergeneration module 50, such that the power generation module 50 isactuated to convert mechanical energy of the external force intoelectrical energy.

It is worth mentioning that the housing 12 further has a mounting hole120, wherein the passive rebound switch of the present invention isadapted to couple to a standard junction box installed in the wallsurface by fastening a screw to the mounting hole 120. Alternatively,the housing 12 can be directly affixed on the mounting surface, such asby using double-sided tape. In other words, the mounting configurationof the passive rebound switch of the present invention can be the sameas that of the conventional standard switch.

It is worth mentioning that, in the preferred embodiment, the powergeneration module 50 further comprises an auxiliary contact terminal 59,wherein the energy collecting module presser 115 of each of theactuation buttons 11 is configured to press on the auxiliary contactterminal 59 of the power generation module 50 to convert mechanicalenergy into electrical energy. Preferably, the auxiliary contactterminal 59 is made of soft rubber or covered by soft rubber that iscapable of protecting the power generation module 50, in order toprovide a water sealing or waterproof ability, so as to prevent anyliquid such as water from entering into an interior of the powergeneration device 50 without affecting the movement of the powergeneration device 50. Preferably, a contacting protrusion point 590 isdefined at a bottom side of the auxiliary contact terminal 59, whereinthe contacting protrusion point 590 is driven by the energy collectingmodule presser 115 while the power generation module 50 is actuated inresponse to the contacting protrusion point 590.

It is worth mentioning that, in the preferred embodiment, each of thedetection controls 40, which is embodied as a detection switch,comprises a buffering element 39 serving as a bumper, wherein thebuffering element 39 is located between the detection control 40 and thedetection control presser 114. In other words, the detection controlpresser 114 of each of the actuation buttons 11 is configured to presson the buffering element 39, wherein the buffering element 39 is drivento move to trigger the detection control 40. Preferably, the bufferingelement 39 is made of soft rubber material as an integrated element. Onone hand, when one of the actuation buttons 11 is moved or pressed, theother adjacent actuation button 11 is stationary supported by itscorresponding buffering element 39 at the idle position when no externalis applied. As a result, only the actuation button 11 being pressed willbe moved while the rest of the actuation buttons 11 will remainstationary. On the other hand, the buffering element 39 is made anelastic material to provide a buffering function, wherein when thedetection control presser 114 of the actuation button 11 is driven topress on the buffering element 39 to electrify an I/O port, thebuffering element 39 provides the elastic buffering force for protectingthe detecting switch 40 from being damaged by an excessive pressure ofthe actuation button 11.

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate the structural configuration of the passiverebound switch of the present invention in detail.

The detecting control 40 is configured to detect the correspondingactuation button 11 between the idle position and the actuated position,wherein at the actuated position, the actuation button 11 is actuated orpressed. Furthermore, the detecting control 40 comprises a conductivecontact terminal 41 and an I/O port 42. The conductive contact terminal41 is located at a bottom of the buffering element 39. The I/O port 42is an I/O terminal of an encoder and is operatively connected to thesignal transmission module 20. When the I/O port 42 is in contact withthe conductive contact terminal 41, the I/O port 42 is electrified,wherein the encoder is configured to generate a preset code according toa change in the level of the I/O port 42. Therefore, the encoder isconfigured to transmit the preset code to the signal transmission module20, such that the signal transmission module 20 is configured towirelessly transmit the preset code to a receiving end. It is worthmentioning that the signal transmission module 20 comprises a signaltransmission circuit receiving the preset code from the encoder andwirelessly transmitting the preset code to the receiving end, such as anelectrical appliance to be controlled. In other words, the signaltransmission module 20 is configured to transmit a control signal withthe preset code for controlling the electrical appliance.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrates the waterproof ability of the passive reboundswitch of the present invention.

Accordingly, the passive rebound switch further comprises an interiorcasing assembly 30 which serve as a waterproof cover of the passiverebound switch, wherein a waterproof chamber is formed between theinterior casing assembly 30 and the housing 12 to seal and receive thepower generation module 50 and the signal transmission module 20 in thewaterproof chamber.

Particularly, the interior casing assembly 30 comprises a first innercasing 31 and a second inner casing 32 coupled with each other, whereinthe buffering element 39 and the auxiliary contact terminal 59 aredisposed at the first inner casing 31. The first inner casing 31 ispreferably made of a soft rubber material, and the second inner casing32 is made of plastic material. Preferably, the buffering element 39 canbe integrally formed with the first inner casing 31. It should beunderstood that the buffering element 39 and the first inner casing 31are two individual components and are coupled with each other. Likewise,the auxiliary contact terminal 59 can be integrally formed with thefirst inner casing 31. It should be understood that the auxiliarycontact terminal 59 and the first inner casing 31 are two individualcomponents and are coupled with each other.

It should be understood that the first inner casing 31 and the secondinner casing 32 can be made of combination of soft rubber material andplastic material. In other words, a portion of the auxiliary contactterminal 59 can be made of soft rubber material to be formed with thefirst inner casing 31 and the second inner casing 32, such that when theauxiliary contact terminal 59 is pressed to drive and actuate the powergeneration module 50 between the interior casing assembly 30 and thehousing 12.

The interior casing assembly 30 further comprises an inner casingfastener 33. Preferably, the inner casing fastener 33 is formed at asidewall of the second inner casing 32, wherein the housing 12 furthercomprises a housing fastener 124 detachably coupled with the innercasing fastener 33. Preferably, the housing fastener 124 and the innercasing fastener 33 are detachably coupled with each other by means ofsnap-fit connection manner. In other words, the interior casing assembly30 can be detached from the housing 12 via the detachable connectionbetween the housing fastener 124 and the inner casing fastener 33.

Particularly, the first inner casing 31 further has a first waterproofportion 311 and has a first inner casing hole 310. The second innercasing 32 further has a second waterproof portion 321 and a second innercasing hole 320. The shapes of the first inner casing hole 310 and thesecond waterproof portion 321 are matched, and the shapes of the firstwaterproof portion 311 and the second inner casing hole 320 are matched.Preferably, the buffering element 39 and the auxiliary contact terminal59 are formed at the first waterproof portion 311, wherein the firstwaterproof portion 311 is configured to be driven to move by theactuation button 11. Preferably, the second waterproof portion 321 isconfigured for supporting the first inner casing 31. The firstwaterproof portion 311 is tightly sealed with the second inner casinghole 320, and the second waterproof portion 321 is tightly sealed withthe first inner casing hole 310, such that a waterproof and sealingchamber is formed between the first inner casing 31 and the second innercasing 32 that the volume of the waterproof and sealing chamber can beadjustable.

The second inner casing 32 further has a detection control hole 322formed at the second waterproof portion 321 of the second inner casing32, wherein the detection control 40 is accommodated in the detectioncontrol hole 322. In the preferred embodiment, the first waterproofportion 311 of the first inner casing 31 is embedded in the secondwaterproof portion 321, such that the detecting control 40 is tightlysealed at the detection control hole 322. Therefore, any liquid such aswater cannot enter into the waterproof chamber through the detectioncontrol hole 322 to damage the electronic components such as the powergeneration device 50 and the signal transmission module 20 in thewaterproof chamber.

Furthermore, the interior casing assembly 30 further comprises awaterproof wall 312 formed at a bottom side thereof, wherein the housing12 further has a casing waterproof portion 125 having a shape matchingthe waterproof wall 312. A waterproof groove 1250 is formed by thecasing waterproof portion 125. The waterproof wall 312 of the interiorcasing assembly 30 is placed in the waterproof groove 1250 of thehousing 12 to form the waterproof chamber between the interior casingassembly 30 and the housing 12. The electronic components such as thepower generation module 50 and the signal transmission module 20 areenclosed and sealed in the waterproof chamber for preventing any liquidsuch as water entering thereinto so as to provide the waterproofingfeature. Preferably, the casing waterproof portion 125 is adouble-layered annular side wall and is protruded from an inner sidesurface 122 of the housing 12 to form the waterproof groove 1250.Preferably, the waterproof wall 312 is disposed at the bottom of thefirst inner casing 31 of the interior casing assembly 30. Preferably,the waterproof wall 312 is made of a silicone material to enhance thesealing ability of the waterproof wall 312 and the waterproof groove1250.

Preferably, the auxiliary contact terminal 59 has a disc-shape and isintegrally formed on the upper surface of the interior casing assembly30. Preferably, the auxiliary contact terminal 59 is formed at the firstwaterproof portion 311 of the first inner casing 31 of the interiorcasing assembly 30.

It is worth mentioning that the inner casing fastener 33 of the interiorcasing assembly 30 and the housing fastener 124 of the housing 12 aredetachably coupled with each other via the snap-fitted manner.Preferably, the housing fastener 124 is formed at a periphery of thehousing waterproof portion 125, wherein the waterproof wall 312 isengaged with the waterproof groove 1250 of the housing 12. Therefore,through the engagement between the inner casing fastener 33 and thehousing fastener 124, the waterproof wall 312 can be secured andretained to enhance to waterproof ability.

It can be understood that the waterproof wall 312 can be disposed at thehousing 12, and the waterproof groove 1250 can be formed at the interiorcasing assembly 30, wherein it should not be limited in the presentinvention.

It is worth mentioning that the conductive contact terminal 41 of thedetection control 40 of the present invention is in contact with the I/Oport 42 disposed on the signal transmission module 20 to control itson-and-off manner. In other embodiments, The detection control 40 canalso be implemented as a micro switch.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the power generation module 50 comprises apower generation module side panel 501 disposed on an inner side of thehousing waterproof portion 125 of the housing 12, to forms a powergeneration module retention slot 500 for generating electricity. Thepower generation module 50 is retained in the power generation moduleretention slot 500.

The energy collecting module 58 serves a supporting frame retainedbetween power generation module 50 and the interior casing assembly 30.A paddling member 57 is coupled to the power generation module 50,wherein the paddling element 57 is driven to move by the energycollecting module 58. When the external force is applied to theactuation button 11, the external force is transmitted to the auxiliarycontact terminal 59 through the energy collecting module presser 115.Then, the auxiliary contact terminal 59 is actuated to press against theenergy collecting module 58, wherein the energy collecting module 58 ispressed against the paddling member 57 to activate the power generationmodule 50 for converting the mechanical energy into the electricalenergy. The power generation module 50 is connected to a powergeneration module terminal 56, and is electrically connected to thesignal transmission module 20 through the power generation moduleterminal 56 to supply the electrical energy and the like to theelectronic components such as the signal transmission module 20. It willbe understood that the specific structure of the power generation module50 of the present invention and its alternatives and power generationprinciple have been disclosed in detail in other patent documents by theinventor of the present invention, which can be applied to the powergeneration module 50 of the present invention.

The power generation module 50 further comprises a restoring element 55,such as a torsion spring, coupled at the housing 12 to move theactuation button 11 back from the actuated position to the idleposition. Particularly, the restoring element 55 is coupled to the powergeneration module side panel 501 to reset the movement of the paddlingmember 57 via an elastic force of the restoring element 55 so as torestore the paddling element 57 back to its original position. When thepaddling member 57 is reset, the auxiliary contact terminal 59, theinterior casing assembly 30, and the actuation button 11 are driven toreset to their original positions via the paddling member 57, such thatthe actuation button 11 is rebounded and returned back to its originalposition.

Furthermore, the energy collecting module 58, generally having aU-shaped configuration, further comprises a main pressing portion 581,two side wing portions 582, a forcing arm 583, a pressing protrusionportion 584, and an arm slot 580. The two side wing portions 582 areintegrally and perpendicularly extended from two ends of the mainpressing portion 581 to form a U-shaped supporting member. In otherwords, one end of each of the side wing portions 582 is integrallyextended from the main pressing portion 581 and another opposed end ofeach of the side wing portions 582 is bent downwardly to form theforcing arm 583. In other words, a portion of each of the side wingportions 582 is bent to integrally form with the forcing arm 583,wherein the forcing arm 583 is perpendicularly extended from the sidewing portion 582. The pressing protrusion portion 584 is defined at aninner mid-portion of the main pressing portion 581, wherein the pressingprotrusion portion 584 is integrally protruded from an inner edge of themain pressing portion 581 for actuating the power generation module. Thearm slot 580 is formed within the main pressing portion 581 and the twoside wing portions 582, such that the inner edges of the main pressingportion 581 and the two side wing portions 582 form a boundary of thearm slot 580. The power generation module 50 is disposed in the arm slot580. When the external force is applied to the actuation button 11, theauxiliary contact terminal 59 is pressed by the energy collecting modulepresser 115. Then, the auxiliary contact terminal 59 is arranged topress against the main pressing portion 581 of the energy collectingmodule 58. The main pressing portion 581 is pivotally moved with respectto the forcing arm 583 as a pivot point. Then, the pressing protrusionportion 584 is moved by the pivotal movement of the main pressingportion 581 to press against the paddling member 57. Therefore, thepower generation module 50 is driven and actuated by the paddling member57 to convert the mechanical energy into the electrical energy.

It is worth mentioning that the main pressing portion 581 of the energycollecting module 58 preferably has a flat configuration, such as a flatplate, wherein it can be selectively adjusted or modified its size andshape according to actual needs. More than one actuation button 11 canbe incorporated with the energy collecting module presser 115 toindividually or concurrently press against the corresponding auxiliarycontact terminals 59. Furthermore, each of the auxiliary contactterminals 59 can press the main pressing portion 581 of the energycollecting module 58 separately or simultaneously in order to press thepaddling member 57 by the main pressing portion 581 of the energycollecting module 58 so as to actuate the power generation module 50 forgenerating the electrical energy. In other words, the passive reboundswitch of the present invention requires one single power generatingassembly for supplying the electrical energy to different actuationbuttons 11 while being cost effective. At the same time, since only onesingle power generating assembly is utilized, the size and cost of thepassive rebound switch of the present invention can be highly reduced.Thus, when using a stronger power generating assembly, the powergeneration capacity will be increased while being cost effective toincorporate with different power consumption requirement of thecircuits.

Furthermore, the signal transmission module 20 comprises an energyintegrated circuit configured to combine two consequent electricalenergies together in response to the actuation button 11 being pressedand restored. In other words, the first electrical energy is generatedwhen the actuation button 11 is pressed and the second electrical energyis generated when the actuation button 11 is restored back to itsoriginal position. Therefore, the power generation module 50 can befully utilized to increase the overall power output, such that a commandcircuit of the signal transmission module 20 can effectively transmitthe wireless signal at a higher radio frequency power and the controlthereof is more reliable. In other words, the signal transmission module20 of the present invention can serve as an energy synthesizer, suchthat the present invention is able to generate a larger power outputcomparing with the conventional expensive communication integratedcircuit with low-power efficiency. The use of general inexpensive,high-power communication circuits, including single triode of wirelesscommunication circuits, can be driven normally, so as to reduce themanufacturing costs and operating costs.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the actuation buttons 11 of the presentinvention can be formed with a cloth covered key 10. The waterproofchamber between the interior casing assembly 30 and the housing 12 isdefined within a housing cavity within the cloth covered key 10 and thehousing 12. When the actuation buttons 11 of the cloth covered key 10are actuated separately or simultaneously, the interior casing assembly30 can be actuated or pressed in the housing cavity formed between thecloth covered key 10 and the housing 12. The interior casing assembly 30is arranged to press against the energy collecting module 58 housed inthe waterproof chamber formed between the interior casing assembly 30and the housing 12. The energy collecting module 58 is arranged to pressthe paddling member 57, such that the paddling element 57 is arranged todrive and actuate the power generation module 50. The power generationmodule 50 is arranged to convert the mechanical energy into theelectrical energy in order to provide the electrical energy to thesignal transmission module 20. The restoring element 55 is arranged toreset the power generation module 50 and the paddling member 57 back totheir original positions. The power generation module 50 is arranged toconvert the mechanical energy into the electrical energy again inresponse to the resetting of the power generation module 50. Theresetting of the paddling member 57 is arranged to reset the energycollecting module 58 and the interior casing assembly 30 back to theiroriginal positions, such that the actuated actuation button 11 of thecloth covered key 10 is rebound and reset.

The energy collecting module presser 115 and the detection controlpresser 114 of the actuation button 11 can be defined as a buttonpressing portion 110 of the actuation button 11. The actuation button 11further comprises a pressing extension rib 116 formed at the buttonpressing portion 110 at the bottom surface of the actuation button 11for enhancing a strength of the actuation button 11. According to thepreferred embodiment, the energy collecting module presser 115 and thedetection control presser 114 are protruded, preferably integrallyextended, from the pressing extension rib 116.

According to the preferred embodiment as an example, the passive reboundswitch is constructed to have one power generation module 50 and threeactuation buttons 11, wherein the three actuation buttons 11 form thecloth covered key 10. The three actuation buttons 11 provide threecorresponding button pressing portions 110 respectively. Three buttonpressing portions 110 correspond to three buffer elements 39, threeauxiliary contact terminals 59, and three detecting controls 40respectively in order to ensure the interior casing assembly 30 able tobe actuated by any one of the actuation buttons 11 of the cloth coveredkey 10 to actuate the power generation module 50 and to activate thesignal transmission module 20. The detection control 40 is configured topre-electrify the I/O port of the encoder of the signal transmissionmodule 20, i.e. the signal transmission module 20 is pre-activated bythe detection control 40, before the electrical energy is generated bythe power generation module 50, so as to communicatively connect withthe encoding control command. The signal transmission module 20 isconfigured for transmitting at least one control signal after the signaltransmission module 20 is powered. Since the multiple buttons will notprovide a relatively large affect for the circuit, the requirementsthereof are not high. In addition, the manufacturing cost of thedetecting control 40 is relatively low, and only one power generationmodule 50 is required. Unlike the conventional switch, the number of thedetection controls 40 and one or more of the actuation buttons 11 can beselectively matched according to the passive rebound switch of thepresent invention. Therefore, the cost of the present invention will notbe increased due to the number of the actuation buttons 11 and thedetection controls 40.

The passive rebound switch of the present invention is able toselectively change the number of button for the cloth covered key 10 inorder to enhance the practical use of the switch. Moreover, theactuation buttons 11 of the cloth covered key 10 can be selectivelyinterchanged to fit the actual need of the switch. For example, thepassive rebound switch provides a single button configuration as shownin FIGS. 10 to 11, the passive rebound switch provides a double buttonconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 12 to 13, and the passive rebound switchprovides a triple button configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 to 15.

In other words, the passive rebound switch provides an expandableability to selectively adjust the number of buttons, such as increasingor reducing the number of buttons. The user is able to configure adesired number of the actuation buttons 11 of the cloth covered key 10as needed to achieve the required number of connection channels, so asto improve the practical use and the aesthetics appearance of the switchcomparing to the conventional switch. The cloth covered key 10 of thepresent invention can also serve as a replaceable button cover. In orderto dissemble each of the actuation buttons 11, the button pivot shaft1130 of the actuation button 11 of the cloth covered key 10 can bedisengaged with the pivot shaft slot 1230 of the housing 12, such thatthe actuation buttons 11 can be detached and rearranged their positions.Furthermore, since the cloth covered key 10 can be implemented as areplaceable key cover, the user is able to adjust and/or replace each ofthe actuation buttons 11. When the passive rebound switch of the presentinvention is installed on the wall surface, the passive rebound switchprovides an aesthetic and decorative appearance for the wall withdifferent colors and styles according to the different ages and userpreferences as a part of the interior design.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a first alternative mode of the passiverebound switch, which has the same structural configuration of the abovepreferred embodiment, except the cloth covered key 10A being differentfrom the cloth covered key 10 of the preferred embodiment.

It is worth mentioning that the energy collecting module 58 is able tocollect the pressing force of any one of the actuation buttons 11 and totransmit it to the power generation module 50, such that the powergeneration module 50 is able to convert the mechanical energy of theexternal force collected by the energy collecting module 58 into theelectrical energy.

Particularly, the passive rebound switch as shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 isimplemented as a single button passive rebound switch. In other words,the cloth covered key 10A is constructed to have one actuation button11A, wherein the button pressing portion 110A is provided at the innerside of the actuation button 11A. The button pressing portion 110A isconfigured to have the energy collecting module presser 115A and thepressing extension rib 116A. The energy collecting module presser 115Ais protruded at a middle of the pressing extension rib 116A. When theexternal force is applied on the actuation button 11A, the energycollecting module is pressed by the auxiliary contact terminal 59A ofthe interior casing assembly 30A. The energy collecting module isconfigured to actuate the power generation module (the energy collectingmodule and the power generation module are not shown in FIGS. 10 and11). Preferably, the button pressing portion 110A is configured to havean arc shape that a height of the button pressing portion 110A isgradually reduced from the mid-portion toward two end portions. Thebuffering element 39A is protruded from the interior casing assembly30A, wherein when the button pressing portion 110A is driven to move,not only the energy collecting module presser 115A is driven to pressthe auxiliary contact terminal 59A to cause the power generation modulefor generating the electrical energy, but also the end portion of thepressing extension rib 116A is driven to press the buffing element 39Aso as to trigger the detection control 40A.

Two button pivot shafts 1130A are formed at an inner peripheral edge ofthe cloth covered key 10A. Correspondingly, two pivot shaft slots 1230Aare formed at an inner peripheral edge of the housing 12A, wherein thebutton pivot shafts 1130A are rotatably engaged with the pivot shaftslots 1230A respectively to pivotally couple the cloth covered key 10Awith the housing 12A. The button pivot shafts 1130A can be disengagedwith the pivot shaft slots 1230A respectively to detach the clothcovered key 10A from the housing 12A.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrates a second alternative mode of the passiverebound switch, which has the same structural configuration of the abovepreferred embodiment, except the cloth covered key 10B being differentfrom the cloth covered key 10 of the preferred embodiment.

Particularly, the passive rebound switch as shown in FIGS. 12 to 13 isimplemented as a double button passive rebound switch. In other words,the cloth covered key 10B is constructed to have two actuation buttons11B, wherein the button pressing portion 110B is provided at the innerside of each of the actuation buttons 11B. The button pressing portion110B is configured to have the energy collecting module presser 115B andthe pressing extension rib 116B. The energy collecting module presser115B is protruded at a middle of the pressing extension rib 116B. Whenthe external force is applied on one of the actuation buttons 11B, theenergy collecting module is pressed by the auxiliary contact terminal59B of the interior casing assembly 30B. The energy collecting module isconfigured to actuate the power generation module (the energy collectingmodule and the power generation module are not shown in FIGS. 12 and13). Preferably, the button pressing portion 110B is configured to havean arc shape that a height of the button pressing portion 110B isgradually reduced from the mid-portion toward two end portions. Thebuffering element 39B is protruded from the interior casing assembly30B, wherein when the button pressing portion 110B is driven to move,not only the energy collecting module presser 115B is driven to pressthe auxiliary contact terminal 59B to cause the power generation modulefor generating the electrical energy, but also the end portion of thepressing extension rib 116B is driven to press the buffing element 39Bso as to trigger the detection control 40B.

Two button pivot shafts 1130B are formed at an inner peripheral edge ofeach of the actuation buttons 11B of the cloth covered key 10B.Correspondingly, two or more pivot shaft slots 1230B are formed at aninner peripheral edge of the housing 12B, wherein the button pivotshafts 1130B are rotatably engaged with the pivot shaft slots 1230Brespectively to pivotally couple each of the actuation button 11B of thecloth covered key 10B with the housing 12B. The button pivot shafts1130B can be disengaged with the pivot shaft slots 1230B respectively todetach each of the actuation button 11B of the cloth covered key 10Bfrom the housing 12B.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates a third alternative mode of the passiverebound switch, which has the same structural configuration of the abovepreferred embodiment, except the cloth covered key 10C being differentfrom the cloth covered key 10 of the preferred embodiment.

Particularly, the passive rebound switch as shown in FIGS. 14 to 15 isimplemented as a triple button passive rebound switch. In other words,the cloth covered key 10C is constructed to have three actuation buttons11C, wherein the button pressing portion 110C is provided at the innerside of each of the actuation buttons 11C. The button pressing portion110C is configured to have the energy collecting module presser 115C andthe pressing extension rib 116C. The energy collecting module presser115C is protruded at a middle of the pressing extension rib 116C. Whenthe external force is applied on one of the actuation buttons 11C, theenergy collecting module is pressed by the auxiliary contact terminal59C of the interior casing assembly 30C. The energy collecting module isconfigured to actuate the power generation module (the energy collectingmodule and the power generation module are not shown in FIGS. 14 and15). Preferably, the button pressing portion 110C is configured to havean arc shape that a height of the button pressing portion 110C isgradually reduced from the mid-portion toward two end portions. Thebuffering element 39C is protruded from the interior casing assembly30C, wherein when the button pressing portion 110C is driven to move,not only the energy collecting module presser 115C is driven to pressthe auxiliary contact terminal 59C to cause the power generation modulefor generating the electrical energy, but also the end portion of thepressing extension rib 116C is driven to press the buffing element 39Cso as to trigger the detection control 40C.

Two button pivot shafts 1130C are formed at an inner peripheral edge ofeach of the actuation buttons 11B of the cloth covered key 10C.Correspondingly, two or more pivot shaft slots 1230C are formed at aninner peripheral edge of the housing 12C, wherein the button pivotshafts 1130C are rotatably engaged with the pivot shaft slots 1230Crespectively to pivotally couple each of the actuation button 11C of thecloth covered key 10C with the housing 12C. The button pivot shafts1130C can be disengaged with the pivot shaft slots 1230C respectively todetach each of the actuation button 11C of the cloth covered key 10Cfrom the housing 12C.

It can be understood that according to the alternative modes, the clothcovered key 10 can be further modified to have more than three actuationbuttons 11 according to actual needs of the user, wherein each of theactuation buttons 11 can be selectively rearranged and disassembled. Itis also able to individually or concurrently operate different numbersof changeable buttons to actuate the single power generation module 50for self-supplying electrical energy, at the same time, to trigger thedetection control 40. The number of the detection control 40 can matchwith the number of the actuation button 11. It should not be limited inthe present invention.

It is worth mentioning that the embodiments of the present inventionmainly exemplify the three button configuration for the passive reboundswitch, wherein the number of buttons should not limited thereto. Inother words, having the same structural and operational configuration asdisclosed in the present invention, the passive rebound switch is ableto fit different actual need by increasing the numbers of buttons anddetection controls.

According to the present invention, the present invention furtherprovides a method for self-powering the passive rebound switch, whichcomprises the following steps.

(A) Apply an external force on at least one of the actuation buttons.

(B) Press at least one detection control by the actuation button.

(C) Press at least one energy collecting module by the actuation button.

(D) Activate the power generation module by the energy collectingmodule.

(E) Generate a first electrical energy by the power generation module.

(F) Electrify at least one signal transmission module to generate afirst control signal. Preferably, the signal transmission module ispre-activated by the first electrical energy.

(G) Reset the actuation button to move the actuation button back to itsoriginal position by a resetting device generating a rebounding forcewhich is opposite to the external force.

(H) Generate a second electrical energy by the power generation modulein response to the rebounding force of the resetting device.

(I) Electrify the signal transmission module to generate a secondcontrol signal. Preferably, the signal transmission module generates thecontrol signal when the signal transmission module is powered by thesecond electrical energy.

(J) Reset the energy collecting module and the power generation moduleback to their original position.

Accordingly, the energy collecting module, the detection control, thesignal transmission module, the resetting device and the powergeneration module are sealed and received in the waterproof chamber ofthe passive rebound switch.

In one embodiment, the resetting device is implemented as a resettingelement 55 which is a spring.

power generation module 50, an energy collecting module 58, a signaltransmission module 20, a cover assembly 10, a plurality of detectioncontrols 40 (such as three), and a housing 12, auxiliary contactterminal 59, interior casing assembly 30, conductive contact terminal41, I/O port 42, detection control presser 114, energy collecting modulepresser 115, pressing extension rib 116, power generation module sidepanel 501, restoring element 55, button pivot shaft 1130, pivot shaftportion 123, pivot shaft slot 1230,

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings and described above isexemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seenthat the objects of the present invention have been fully andeffectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and describedfor the purposes of illustrating the functional and structuralprinciples of the present invention and is subject to change withoutdeparture from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A passive rebound switch; comprising: a housing;at least an actuation button detachably and pivotally coupled at saidhousing to define a receiving chamber between said actuation button andsaid housing, wherein said actuation button is actuated, in response toan external force applied thereon, in a reciprocated rebounding movementbetween an idle position and an actuated position; an energy generationmodule being actuated and triggered by said reciprocated reboundingmovement of said actuation button for converting a mechanical energy ofthe external force into an electrical energy; at least an energycollecting module disposed between said actuation button and said powergeneration module; at least a detection control received in saidreceiving chamber to detect said actuation button between said idleposition and said actuated position, and being actuated by saidreciprocated rebounding movement of said actuation button at the sametime when said energy generation module is actuated; and a signaltransmission module being pre-activated by said detection control beforesaid energy generation module generates the electrical energy, whereinsaid signal transmission module is configured for transmitting a controlsignal after said signal transmission module is powered by said energygeneration module.
 2. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 1,wherein said actuation button comprises an energy collecting modulepresser and a detection control presser spacedly extended from a bottomsurface of said actuation button to align with said energy collectingmodule and said detection control respectively, such that when saidactuation button is actuated, said energy collecting module presser andsaid detection control presser are driven to actuate said energycollecting module and said detection control at the same time.
 3. Thepassive rebound switch, as recited in claim 2, wherein said actuationbutton further comprises a pressing extension rib formed at said bottomsurface of said actuation button, wherein said energy collecting modulepresser and said detection control presser are integrally and spacedlyprotruded from said pressing extension rib.
 4. The passive reboundswitch, as recited in claim 2, wherein said power generation modulecomprises an auxiliary contact terminal being pressed by said energycollecting module presser of said actuation button in order to actuatesaid power generation module for converting the mechanical energy intothe electrical energy.
 5. The passive rebound switch, as recited inclaim 4, wherein said detection control comprises a buffering elementformed between said detection control and said detection controlpresser, wherein said buffering element is configured to actuate saiddetection control when said buffering element is pressed by saiddetection control presser and is configured to support said actuationbutton at a stationary manner at said idle position.
 6. The passiverebound switch, as recited in claim 5, further comprising an interiorcasing assembly coupled between said actuation button and said housingto form a waterproof chamber between said interior casing assembly andsaid housing, wherein said power generation module and said signaltransmission module are sealed and received in said waterproof chamber.7. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 6, wherein saidinterior casing assembly comprises a first inner casing and a secondinner casing coupled with each other, wherein said auxiliary contactterminal and said buffering element are formed at said first innercasing.
 8. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 6, whereinsaid interior casing assembly comprises a waterproof wall formed at abottom side thereof, wherein said housing has a waterproof grooveengaged with said waterproof wall to form said waterproof chamberbetween said interior casing assembly and said housing.
 9. The passiverebound switch, as recited in claim 7, wherein said first inner casinghas a first waterproof portion and has a first inner casing hole,wherein said second inner casing has a second waterproof portion and asecond inner casing hole, wherein said first waterproof portion istightly sealed and enclosed to said second inner casing hole, and saidsecond waterproof portion is tightly sealed and enclosed to said firstinner casing hole.
 10. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim9, wherein said auxiliary contact terminal and said buffering elementare formed at said first waterproof portion of said first inner casing.11. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 9, wherein saidfirst inner casing is made of a soft rubber material and said secondinner housing is made of plastic material.
 12. The passive reboundswitch, as recited in claim 5, wherein said detection control furthercomprises a conductive contact terminal and an I/O port, wherein saidI/O port is disposed at said signal transmission module while saidconductive contact terminal is disposed at a bottom of said bufferingelement.
 13. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a paddling member coupled to said power generation module,wherein when said actuation button is actuated, said paddling member ispressed by said energy collecting module to activate said powergeneration module.
 14. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim1, further comprising a restoring element coupled at said housing tomove said actuation button back from said actuated position to said idleposition.
 15. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 13,further comprising a restoring element coupled at said housing to movesaid actuation button back from said actuated position to said idleposition, wherein said restoring element is further coupled to saidpaddling member to move said paddling member back to its originalposition, such that said actuation button is moved by padding member toreturn back to said idle position.
 16. The passive rebound switch, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said energy collecting module serves as asupporting frame having a U-shaped configured and comprises a mainpressing portion and two side wing portions spacedly and perpendicularlyextended from two ends of said main pressing portion, wherein said powergeneration module is disposed between said side wing portion, such thatwhen said actuation button is actuated, said main pressing portion ofsaid energy collecting module is pressed to drive said power generationmodule.
 17. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 16, whereinsaid energy collecting module further comprises a forcing arm, whereineach of said side wing portions has one end integrally extended fromsaid main pressing portion and an opposed end being bent vertically anddownwardly to form said forcing arm, wherein said main pressing portionis pivotally moved with respect to said forcing arm as a pivot point.18. The passive rebound switch, as recited in claim 16, wherein saidenergy collecting module further comprises a pressing protrusion portionintegrally protruded from a mid-portion of said main pressing portionfor actuating said power generation module.
 19. The passive reboundswitch, as recited in claim 18, further comprising a paddling membercoupled to said power generation module, wherein when said actuationbutton is actuated, said pressing protrusion portion of said powercollecting module is driven to press against said paddling member so asto activate said power generation module.
 20. The passive reboundswitch, as recited in claim 1, wherein said power generation module isconfigured two consequent electrical energies that a first electricalenergy is generated when said actuation button is moved from said idleposition to said actuated position and a second electrical energy isgenerated when said actuation button is moved back to said idle positionfrom said actuated position.
 21. The passive rebound switch, as recitedin claim 20, wherein said signal transmission module comprises an energyintegrated circuit configured to combine said two consequent electricalenergies from said power generation module.
 22. A self-powering apassive rebound switch, comprising the steps of: (a) applying anexternal force on at least an actuation button to move said actuationbutton in a reciprocated rebounding movement between an idle positionand an actuated position; (b) in response to said reciprocatedrebounding movement of said actuation button, actuating at least adetection control and actuating an energy generation module at the sametime, wherein said detection control is configured to detect saidactuation button between said idle position and said actuated position,wherein said energy generation module being actuated and triggered forconverting a mechanical energy of the external force into an electricalenergy; (c) pre-activating a signal transmission module by saiddetection control before said energy generation module generates theelectrical energy; and (d) transmitting a control signal by said signaltransmission module after said signal transmission module is powered bysaid energy generation module.
 23. The method, as recited in claim 22,wherein the step (b) further comprises the steps of: (b.1) generating afirst electrical energy by said power generation module when saidactuation button is actuated from said idle position to said actuatedposition so as to pre-activate said signal transmission module; and(b.2) generating a second electrical energy by said power generationmodule when said actuation button is moved back to said idle positionfrom said actuated position so as to power said signal transmissionmodule for transmitting said control signal.
 24. The method as recitedin claim 22 wherein, in the step (a), said actuation button isdetachably and pivotally coupled at a housing to enable said actuationbutton being moved in said reciprocated rebounding movement.
 25. Themethod, as recited in claim 22, further comprising a step of resettingsaid actuation button to move said actuation button back to said idleposition from said actuated position.